Government announces review of handling of domestic abuse cases

The move follows responses received through the government’s domestic abuse consultation in which concerns were raised around the family courts’ response to potential harm to children and victims. In addition to calls for better protections for children, some claim that domestic abusers are using the court system to re-traumatise their victims.

Every day family court judges do outstanding work making difficult decisions in highly emotive cases where the paramount consideration is the welfare of the child. Ministers now want to take a closer look at how existing safeguards in the court process are working in practice and, if necessary, strengthen them.

Justice Minister Paul Maynard said:

"Some of the most vulnerable in our society come before the family courts, and I am absolutely determined that we offer them every protection.

This review will help us better understand victims’ experiences of the system, and make sure the family court is never used to coerce or re-traumatise those who have been abused.

Its findings will be used to inform next steps so we can build on the raft of measures we have already introduced to protect victims of domestic abuse."

Specifically, the work will:

• examine the courts’ application of Practice Direction 12J – this relates to child arrangement cases where domestic abuse is a factor
• examine the courts’ application of ‘barring orders’ which prevent further applications being made without leave of the court under the Children Act 1989
• gather evidence of the impact on the child and victim where child contact is sought by someone alleged to have, or who has, committed domestic abuse or other relevant offences

The panel will consider how the family courts handle a range of offences including rape, child abuse, assault, sexual assault, murder and other violent crime, with the government committed to ensuring the right protections are in place for victims and their children.

Simon Burge, partner at Blake Morgan, said:

“We welcome the Ministry of Justice’s review of family courts.  It’s overdue and much-needed, and we hope it addresses failings in the current system. 

Chief among these issues is the urgent need to reinstate legal aid – both for the alleged victim and perpetrator, who may not be able to afford a solicitor or barrister to represent them.  This often leads to extremely stressful situations where an alleged perpetrator chooses to cross-examine a victim. 

Given these cases can be sensitive, highly emotional and involve people in vulnerable circumstances, this needs to be addressed and it’s vital the system affords them proper care and protection through legal aid.  We hope the review shines a light on the cases and takes swift action.”